We have officially survived the slowest part of the NFL offseason. The Super Bowl celebrations have ended, the NFL combine and draft have passedandwe are officially starting to get into rookie minicamp season. Before you know it, teams willbe conductingOTAs and training camps,andthe 2024 season will be underway.
Here at FTN Fantasy, welook totake a holistic approach to NFL rosters to determine the teams we need to target (or potentially avoid) in fantasy drafts.While that traditionally involves deep dives into skill position players,important information can also be gleanedfrom a general understanding of a team’s roster and depth chart.
This article will start a series that will rank the different positions across the NFL heading into the 2024 season. Expect updates throughout the summer as depth charts become more finalizedwithteams figuring out how their rookie class fits in their plans, or if a veteran free agent can bolster theirteam. Belowyou’llfind the offensive line rankings heading into the 2024 season.
2024 NFL Offensive Line Rankings
1. Detroit Lions
Taylor Decker, Graham Glasgow, Frank Ragnow, Kevin Zeitler, Penei Sewell
The Lions return three key starters (and onebigcontributor) to their top offensive line in 2024. It helps that two of those returners (righttackle Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow) combined to allow two sacks and 38 pressures combined. The duo also had a PFF grade of 90.7 and 88.1,respectively. Detroit was proactive in free agencytryingto replace the guards it lost on the open market.
Also returning to Detroit is veteran guard Graham Glasgow. The Lions signed Glasgow as depth in 2023, but he wound up playing the second-most snaps on the offensive line due to injuries.He was solid across the interior offensive line (74.9 PFF grade), although hestruggled in pass protection (46 pressures on 735 pass protection snaps).
Finally, the Lions alsomade a point of targetingveteran guard Kevin Zeitler to offset their losses in free agency.Zeitler is 34 but just finished three straight seasons in Baltimore with at least 1,000 offensive snaps and a 71.0 PFF grade or better.
The Lions’ five starters are as good as they come, but this team will be leaning on unproven depth in 2024whichcould be a recipe for disaster.
2. Atlanta Falcons
Jake Matthews, Matthew Bergeron, Drew Dalman, Chris Lindstrom, Kaleb McGary
The Falcons gambled on their offensive linestayinghealthy in 2023. And for the most part, it paid off. All five of Atlanta’s starters playedinat least 14 games and logged at least 847 snaps. It also helped that the collective unit mostly played to their potential, allowing a combined 20 sacks and 121 pressuresas a group.
Looking to 2024, the Falcons return their entire starting unit once again. That includes arguably the top guard in the NFL (Chris Lindstrom, 87.6 PFF grade) and a top-5 center (Drew Dalman, 82.3 PFF grade). Atlanta also has two solid tackles in Jake Matthews (five sacks and 27 pressures on 596 pass-blocking snaps) and Kaleb McGary (four sacks and 17 pressures on 478 pass-blocking snaps) securing the perimeter.
Atlanta got a solid showing from rookie guard Matthew Bergeron (59.5 PFF grade) but will need him to take a step forward in his second season. Once again, the Falcons are relying on starter health after passing on adding depth pieces in the draft or free agency. The only legitimate backup the Falcons have isrighttackle Storm Norton, who struggledat timesduring his tenure with the Chargers but posted a career-best PFF grade (68.3) in his lone season with Atlanta.
Atlanta can compete for the top overall spot on this ranking if Bergeron can take a leap in his second season. Even if he doesn’t, this team shouldbe lockedinto a top-five ranking for the 2024 season. However, things could go southin a hurryif they are forcedto lean on their nonexistent depth.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Braden Smith
After years of navigating offensive line injuries, the Colts got amostlysolid season out of their group in 2023. Four of Indianapolis’s starters played in 14 games and logged at least 882 offensive snaps. That consistency allowed the Colts to have the highest collective PFF pass-blocking grade (75.1) while allowing just10total sacks.
Arguably, the biggest key to Indianapolis’s success as a unit was thehugegrowth of second-year left tackle Bernhard Raimann. Raimann struggled as a rookie but bounced back with an 82.7 PFF grade and just four sacks and 34 pressures on 620 pass pro snaps. That, combined with the steady play of a healthy Quenton Nelson (70.8 PFF grade) and Ryan Kelly (77.2 PFF grade)stabilized the offensive line.
Indianapolis will need Braden Smith to return tofullhealth in 2024 after developmental rookie Blake Freeland struggled in 701 snaps (45 pressures on 426 snaps). The Colts didn’t need to lean on depth much in 2024 but actively fortified their offensive line in the third and fourth rounds of the draft by adding quality college players in Pittsburgh’s Matt Goncalves and Wisconsin’s Tanor Bortolini. It wouldn’t be shocking if Bortolini pushed incumbent right guard Will Fries (61.2 PFF grade) for his starting role at some point in the season.
If healthy, the Colts are a threat to regain the title of the top offensive line in football.However,ofthe teams in the top 5, they have arguablythe best reserves.Thiscould be a formidable unit in 2024.
4. Los Angeles Rams
Alaric Jackson, Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson, Rob Havenstein
The Rams wereone ofthe more surprising offensive line units in 2023, turning a largely inexperienced offensive line into one of the NFL’s most dominant units. The Rams transitioned to a gap-blocking run scheme that rolled through opposing defenses while providingstrongprotection (11 sacks surrendered) in the passing attack.
The Rams will return four of their five starters, including right guard Kevin Dotson. The Rams traded for Dotson during training camp after three uneven years with the Steelers. He rewarded the team with an 85.2 PFF grade, including an 88.8 run-blocking grade. Rookie second-round pick Steve Avila also posted a solid first season as the left guard, allowing just 32 pressures on a team-leading 685 pass-blocking snaps.
Los Angeles will re-shuffle its offensive line in 2024 after letting starting center Coleman Shelton walk in free agency. The team will kick Avila over to center and fill his position with former Lions guard Jonah Jackson. Jackson has struggled with injuries the last two seasons but is a solid veteran piece who will help stabilize the interior.
The Rams don’t have a ton of depth on the offensive line, but theydoreturn former starting left tackle Joe Noteboom to serve as their swing tackle. Noteboom was expected to be the starter at left tackle in 2023 but lost his job to Alaric Jackson. He has starting experience and has played over 2,000 career snaps for the Rams, including 573 snaps between left tackle,righttackle and right guard in 2023.
5. Las Vegas Raiders
Kolton Miller, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Andre James, Dylan Parham, Thayer Munford Jr.
The Raiders return four offensive linemen who played at least 500 snaps on 2023’s impressive offensive line. Las Vegasstruggled at timesin pass protection in 2023 (24 sacks surrendered),but finished as PFF’s third-rated run-blocking unit (74.3 average PFF run-blocking grade).
Las Vegas did lose guard Greg Van Roten and tackle Jermaine Eluemunor in free agency. Both players were key contributors on the offensive line. That means thatrotational tackle Thayer Munford Jr. will be pushedinto a full-time starting role after finishing 2023 with a 74.1 PFF grade. He allowed 28 pressures on 303 pass-blocking snaps.
The most significant addition to the team came in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Las Vegas selected Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson, a player manythought belonged in the first round. Powers-Johnson had just one season as a starter in college but won the Rimington Award as the nation’s best college center. He posted an 84.5 PFF grade and allowed just one pressure in his last collegiate season. He is most likely to find a home as a guard in his first year.
Thisisavery goodoffensive linethatupgraded itsbiggestarea of need at left guard in free agency.Don’t be surprised if we see this unit dominate the ground again in 2024.
6. Cleveland Browns
Jedrick Wills Jr., Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin
Cleveland’s offensive line was hit hard by injuries in 2023, withbothJack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr. playing fewer than 600 snaps. The Browns were able to navigate those injuries thanks to excellent depth and potentially discovered a future starter in2023fourth-round rookie Dawand Jones (64.7 PFF grade) atrighttackle.
Thankfully for Cleveland, the interior combination of Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic and Wyatt Teller stayed on the field and continued to provide a high level of play. The trio all played at least 999 snaps and logged PFF grades ofat least68.0 or higher. Bitonio, Pocic and Teller also combined to allow just nine sacks and 76 pressures ona combined1,912 pass protection snaps.
The Browns offensive line should be in good shapeonceagain in 2024, assuming Wills and Conklin can return from injury. Even if they struggle out of the gate, the team knows they can lean on Jones to provide solid, starting-level play. The Browns also tried to address their interior depth, selecting Michigan guard Zak Zinter in the third round. Zinter suffered a broken leg against Ohio State in 2023 but is a solid depth piece who could have starting upside in the future.
If the Browns offensive line can start the season healthy (and stay that way), they caneasilypush themselves back into the top three units in the NFLonceagain.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson
Philadelphia has been the gold standard for offensive lines over the past several seasons due to a combination of continuity and blue-chip talent. For the first time in a while,this team’s talent will be testedafter veteran center Jason Kelce retired after the 2023 season.
The Eagles still have two of the best tackles in the NFL returning in 2024. Jordan Mailata continues to establish himself as one of the top left tackles in the NFL. He finished 2023 with an 84.1 PFF grade thanks to PFF run and pass blocking grades above 83.0. Lane Johnsoncontinues to defyage, posting his third straight season with at least 800 snaps played and an 80.0 PFF grade.Hedid finally show some signs of hisdecline in his age-34 season, allowing his most pressures since 2018 (33).
The Eagles will have to shuffle their interior offensive line due to Kelce’s retirement. Landon Dickerson will likely stay at left guard after securing a big payday this offseason. He set career-highs in PFF grade (70.0) and pass blocking grade (77.6). Cam Jurgens figures to be the natural replacement for Kelce after a solid season as the starting right guard. He allowed 22 pressures on 383 pass-blocking snaps but missed time with an injury. 2023 third-round pick Tyler Steen will likely compete with veteran Matt Hennessy to fill hisrightguard vacancy.
The Eagles ultimately fall outsideofthe top five offensive lines because theyare downgradingtwo positions despite returning four starters.Jurgens was a solid guard but is certainly a downgrade from Kelce. Projected right guard Steen will also be a downgrade fromJurgensgiven his inexperience (71 snaps played in 2023).
The Eagles certainly could continue to dominate on the offensive line, but forthe first time in a long time, some variables push other teams with more continuity ahead of them in the offensive line ranks.
8. Green Bay Packers
Jordan Morgan, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Sean Rhyan, Zach Tom
Green Bay’s offensive line is a collection of versatile pieces who can fill any number of roles. That makes it difficult to project their starting five offensive linemen. However, they are easily a top-10 group based on the talent that can play anywhere on the line.
The Packers return three players (Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins and Zach Tom) who played at least 850 snaps in 2023 and finished with a PFF grade above 66.0. That group combined to give up eight sacks (six by Walker) and 89 pressures. Walker struggled early taking over for David Bahktiari but found his groove down the stretch and improvedgreatly.
Despite the improved play, Walker is not guaranteed a starting role in 2024 after the Packers selected Jordan Morgan in the first round of the draft. Morgan was a three-year starter at Arizona, playing over 1,400 career snaps over the last two seasons. He gave up just three sacks and 24 pressures while posting two straight seasons with a PFF grade above 83.0.
Center Josh Myers wassolidbut unremarkable in 2023 after giving up five sacks and 28 pressures on 662 pass blocking snaps. Likewise, Sean Rhyan was inconsistentrotatingbetween both guard spots in 2023. There are rumors that the Packers could move Zach Tom to center,which would providemore interior depth.
Regardless of how Green Bay decides to line up their offensive line in 2024, they have at least six players who can play numerous positions and provide strong play.
9. New York Jets
Tyron Smith, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Morgan Moses
Injuries continued to plague the Jets offensive line in 2023. Eleven different players logged over 149 snaps, but very fewof themplayed well. Nine of those 11 players surrendered at least two sacks and 14 pressures. Five different linemen gave up 20 or more pressures, including two (Laken Tomlinson and Mekhi Becton) who surrendered over 50. Only one offensive lineman (Alijah Vera-Tucker) finished with a PFF grade above 61.0. Unfortunately, injuries limited him to just 250 snaps.
The Jets wereone ofthe most aggressive teams attacking the offensive line position this offseason. New York added John Simpson (56.3 PFF grade with Baltimore) and Tyron Smith (83.7 PFF grade with Dallas) in free agency. They also traded for Morgan Moses (80.4 PFF grade) to secure theirrighttackle position.Each of these players is a significant upgrade from 2023, butthere are some injury concerns with Smith and Moses.
The Jets tried to mitigate that risk in the draft, selecting Penn State’s Olu Fashanu with the 11th pick. Fashanu never allowed a sack during his two years as a starter at Penn State. He’s a prototypical left tackle (6-foot-6 and 319 pounds) with excellent pass-protection ability. He’smore thanready to play if Smith or Moses go down with an injury.
If the Jets offensive line can stay healthy, they can easily be the best offensive line in the NFL.However,there are plenty of ways for this plan to fail, especially given the team’s questionable health.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
Troy Fautanu, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, James Daniels, Broderick Jones
Pittsburgh has aggressively worked to upgrade its offensive line over the last two seasons. Two of those moves worked very well in 2023. Left guard Isaac Seumalo finished with the highest grade on the offensive line (73.9) and gave up zero sacks on 631 pass plays. The 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones eventually took over therighttackle position and had an inconsistent season, giving up five sacks and 34 pressures on 450 pass-blocking snaps.
The Steelersonceagain used the draft to upgrade their offensive line in 2024. The team selected Washington left tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round and West Virginia center Zach Frazier in the second round. Many believe Fautanu needs to kick to the interior due to a lack of size, but he has the athleticism and length to justify keeping him at left tackle to upgrade Dan Moore Jr. (eight sacks and 56 pressures on 580 pass-pro snaps in 2023). Frazier was a four-year starter at center for West Virginia who was an excellent run blocker and played with leverage at center.
Those four additions, combined with incumbent starter James Daniels (61.1 PFF grade in 2023),make up what could be one of the best offensive lines in 2024. The Steelers have strong veterans surrounding their young pieces, which should help accelerate their acclimation to the NFL.
11. Los Angeles Chargers
Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Jamaree Salyer, Joe Alt
The Chargers offensive line suffered very few injuries in 2023, with four different offensive linemen playing over 1,000 snaps. However, none of them werevery good.
Those four offensive linemen (Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Jamaree Salyer and Trey Pipkins) combined to allow 24 sacks and 161 pressures. Only one starter from the 2023 team (Slater) posted a PFF grade above 63.0. The general struggles of the offensive line were a big reason why the team struggled on offense last season.
Their issues led the Chargers to overhaul their coaching staff. Los Angeles signed Jim Harbaugh away from Michigan and installed Greg Roman as its offensive coordinator. Those moves suggestthat theChargers will turn to a run-heavy, power approach in 2024. The team made moves on the offensive line that reflected that new mentality.
First, the Chargers grabbed Bradley Bozeman to serve as their center. Bozeman struggled last season in Carolina, but he was miscast in their offense and should do well in a power-centric running attack. Itisn’t knownif Corey Linsley can return to football after missing 2023 with a heart issue, but this move is a proactive one that will guarantee Los Angeles has a veteran center on the team.
The Chargers added a final piece to the offensive line when they selected Notre Dame’s Joe Alt with the fifth pick of the draft. Alt was a three-year starter at left tackle for Notre Dame and was the best offensive lineman in the 2024 class. He allowed just one sack and eight pressures over his last two seasons (774 pass protection snaps) and finished 2023 with an 86.5 PFF grade. He’s likely to take over therighttackle position, moving incumbent starter Pipkins into a swing tackle role.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see this unit climb into the top five with a new coaching staff andkeytalent upgrades at center andrighttackle. At the very least, their talent should keep them hovering around the top 12 offensive lines in 2024 if they can stay healthy again.
12. Houston Texans
Laremy Tunsil, Kenyon Green, Juice Scruggs, Shaq Mason, Tytus Howard
Few teams in the NFL suffered offensive line injuries like the 2023 Houston Texans. Just two of their projected starters in 2024 (Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason) played more than 800 snaps. The team was banking on developmental experience for second-year guard Kenyon Green and rookie center Juice Scruggs, but neither happened. Green suffered a season-ending injury before the season,andScruggs was limited to just 439 snaps in 2023.
Injuries also forced the team to play Tytus Howard out of position at guard after Kendrick Green (who was acquired to replace Kenyon Green) was limited to just 208 snaps.In total,seven different offensive linemen played over 400 snaps for Houston in 2023.Another three players logged 200 or more snaps.
Houston will enter 2024 with the same projected starting unit as 2023 and hopes thatthis timehealthis on its side.As a positive, the injuries in 2023 allowed this team to develop much-needed depth. Houston should have competitions at left guard (Kendrick Green and Kenyon Green) and center after 2023 sixth-round pick Jarrett Patterson (60.4 PFF grade) played well in Scruggs’ absence.
Houston also invested a second-round pick in Notre Damerighttackle Blake Fisher in the draft. Fisher is a young offensive lineman who could have used another season in college but also has plenty of experience. He started his career at left tackle, suffering a knee injury in his first game.Heshifted to the right side after Joe Alt emerged as a top-tier left tackle. He could serve aseithera swing tackle or a guard in the NFL.
Few teams can match Houston’s depth, but it needsafullyhealthy season to entrench itself at the top of this list.
13. Minnesota Vikings
Christian Darrisaw, Blake Brandel, Garrett Bradbury, Ed Ingram, Brian O’Neill
Minnesota finds itself in a familiar place heading into 2024. The Vikings have arguably the best tackle duo in the NFL with Chrisitan Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. However, their offensive line is a combination of average options who haven’t shown the ability to develop past their current ability.
The combination of Darrisaw (six sacks and 31 pressures on 650 pass plays) and O’Neill (six sacks and 33 pressures on 590 pass plays) carried the load for the Vikings in 2023. Each should be considered a top-10 option at their respective positions. Unfortunately, Garrett Bradbury (60.9 PFF grade) and Ed Ingram (59.5 PFF grade) showed little growth from 2022. Minnesota also took a shot on veteran left guard Dalton Risner, but he did very little to elevate the unit as a whole.
One positive for Minnesota is their collective strength as a run-blocking unit. Three of their projected starters (Darrisaw, O’Neill and Bradbury) posted PFF run blocking grades above 65.0. Even projected starting left guard Blake Brandel was a good run blocker (63.8 grade) in a 163-play sample size. The Vikings will likely need to lean on the run to support Sam Darnold or rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
For the Vikings to climb in the rankings, theywillneed legitimate growth from Bradbury and Ingram. However, if they get the same production from those two and struggle at left guard with an unproven player, they could easily fall outside the top-15 units in 2024.
14. San Francisco 49ers
Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Jon Feliciano, Colton McKivitz
Trent Williams continues to defy everything we know about age. Since joining the 49ers, Williams has posted four straight seasons with at least 950 snaps played and a PFF grade above 91.0. He’s also posted fourstraightyears of run-blocking grades above 91.0 and a pass-blocking grade above 82.0.
However, the story of 2023 was the growth of the other pieces on the offensive line. The 49erswere able to stayhealthy in 2023, with just six linemen playing over 400 offensive snaps. Five of those players return in 2024 as starters. Only oneof them(left guard Aaron Banks) had a PFF grade below 63.0.
The biggest surprise was veteran interior offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, whowas acquiredas a depth piece. Hewound up playingat all three interior positions and posted career-highs in PFF grade (81.2) and run blocking grade (87.0). He was rewarded with a contract andis penciledinto therightguard position in 2024.
For the 49ers to jump up in these rankings, they will needrighttackle Colton McKivitz to develop as a pass blocker after he gave up nine sacks and 47 pressures on 573 passing plays. The team will also need more out of Banks at left guard. The team could turn to 2024 third-round pick Dominick Puni if he continues to struggle. Puni is a dominant run blocker who played guard and tackle at Kansas. He allowed zero sacks during his two seasons with the Jayhawks.
15. Kansas City Chiefs
Wanya Morris, Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor
The Chiefs offensive line willonceagain rely on their interior grouping to drive their offensive line.Kansas Cityhas arguablythe most dominant interior line grouping in the NFL, but its tackle situation leavesa lottobe desired.
Kansas City paid a big contractto right tackle Jawaan Taylor before the 2023 seasonbut can’t be pleased with the early returns on that investment. Taylor led the Chiefs in pressures (47) and sacks allowed (5) in his first season. He was also the only offensive lineman to post a PFF grade below 55.0.
Thankfully, the combination of Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith continuedto dominate onthe interior offensive line. All three players finished 2023 with PFF grades above 65.0 in pass blocking, 66.0 in run blocking and 72.0 in overall grade. The trio allowed just eight sacks but did give up 83 pressures on the year.
The key to Kansas City’s offensive line will be how the team addresses left tackle. Donovan Smith struggled in his lone season with Kansas City and played just 12 games. That allowed developmental tackle Wanya Morris an opportunity to play. He had plenty of flashes and will enter the season as the projected starterHewill have to hold off 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia out of BYU. Suamataia is another raw prospect whohad successas a pass blocker in college.
If Morris or Suamataia can acclimate quickly to the NFL level, then there is no reason why the Chiefs won’t be a top-10unitgiven their interior grouping.
16. Cincinnati Bengals
Orlando Brown Jr., Cordell Volson, Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, Trent Brown
The Bengals got a very healthy season from their offensive line in 2023, with all five starters playing 17 games and logging over 1,000 snaps. The group wassolid,but not great, with all five starters finishing with a PFF grade between 58.0 and 68.0.
Cincinnati’sbigfree-agent acquisition, left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., was hit or missin his first season.While he was an upgrade over Jonah Williams, he did allow the most pressures on the offensive line (59) and had the second-worst PFF run-blocking grade (57.1) of the group. Thankfully, the teamcontinued to getstrong play from center Ted Karras (67.4 PFF grade) and Alex Cappa (64.9 PFF grade) on the interior.
The Bengals allowed 2023righttackle Williams to walk in free agency after fourveryaverage seasons in Cincinnati. His initial replacement will be former Patriot left tackle Trent Brown, who is coming off his best season in the NFL with career-highs in PFF grade (80.2) and run blocking grade (80.7).Brown hasa lengthy injury history, whichled the Bengals to hedge their bets in the first round of the NFL draft.Cincinnati used its first-round pick on Georgiarighttackle Amarius Mims, a player with the tools to emerge as the top lineman in this class. Mims is extremely raw (just eight career starts) and needs time to develop.He may not get that chance with Brown ahead of himon the depth chart.
Cincinnati could be a top-10 unit in 2024 if itcanstay healthy and get better play out of the left guard position. However, if injuries force Mims into playing time earlier than he can handle,thenthis season can spin out of control in a hurry against some of the AFC North’s pass rushers.
17. Chicago Bears
Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Ryan Bates, Nate Davis, Darnell Wright
Injuries handicapped what should have been a promising season on the offensive line for Chicago. Only one of the Bears projected starters (righttackle Darnell Wright) played more than 12 games last season. Wright, the team’s 2023 first-round pick, performed admirably in his first season in the NFL, surrendering just seven sacks and 81 pressures on 646 snaps.
If Chicago can stay healthy in 2024, it could have a very talented offensive line. Left tackle Braxton Jones played just 724 snaps in 2023 but finished a second straight season with PFF pass blocking, run blocking and overall grades above 68.0. Left guard Teven Jenkins continues to be a solid piece and logged a career-high in snaps (731), buthasn’tbeen consistently on the field.
Chicago’sbigfree agent acquisition in 2023 was guard Nate Davis. Davis posted three straight seasons of a 68.0 or higher PFF grade before joining the Bears. Personal issues and injuries caused his play to spiral in 2023, leading to a 52.9 PFF grade.There is hope that he canreturn to his strong play in previous seasons.
Finally, the Bears attempted to upgrade their center position in free agency after Lucas Patrick struggled in 2023. Chicago traded for Buffalo’s Ryan Bates and added former Rams center Coleman Shelton in free agency. Neither player is a top-end option, but they are both solid linemen who can play anywhere on the interior of the offensive line.
Once again, the Bears’ final ranking will come down to health. On the surface, this is a talented offensive linethat hasastrongmixture of solid veterans on the interior and two young, ascending tackles. However, another season witha litany ofinjuries will lead them to drop further down this list.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tristan Wirfs, Ben Bredeson, Graham Barton, Cody Mauch, Luke Goedeke
The Buccaneers gambled with the left tackle position in 2023, flippingrighttackle Tristan Wirfs to the left side to replace long-time starter Donovan Smith. The move paid offin a big way(despite Wirfs posting a career-low 81.1 PFF grade). He should improve even more in 2024 witha fullseason on the blindside under his belt.
Even better wasthe factthat the Buccaneers got a great season out of Luke Goedeke atrighttackle after he struggled in 2022 as the team’s left guard. Goedeke finished second on the Buccaneers offensive line in PFF grade (72.5) and posted run and pass blocking grades above 70.0 in his first season atrighttackle.
Unfortunately, the positives ended there.The 2023 second-round pick Cody Mauch struggled to transition from the FCS level to the NFLin his first season.He allowed a team-high seven sacks and 48 pressures while posting just a 39.1 run-blocking grade. That was the worst of any player (even wide receivers) on the Buccaneers last season.
The Buccaneers did their best to upgrade their offensive line in the 2024 offseason. Tampa Bay added veterans Ben Bredeson and Sua Opeta in free agency. Bredeson struggled with the Giants in 2023 (who didn’t) but has been solid in the past. Opeta played a career-high in snaps in 2023, allowing just 25 pressures on 311 pass plays. The most impactful acquisition was 2024 first-round pick Graham Barton. Barton played left tackle the last two seasons at Duke but does have experience at center.He was considered by many to bethe best interior offensive lineman in this classthanksto his demeanor while blocking and athleticism.He’s a safe bet to take over at center to replace Ryan Jensen.
There is a formula where Tampa Bay can push into the top 12 offensive lines in 2024. They’d need Barton to hit the ground running and be at least a league-average starter. The team also needs Mauch to take a considerable step forward as a pro while getting roughly the same play from Wirfs and Goedeke. However,this isa lot that needs to go right,which is whythis team finds itself just inside the top 20 before the season.
19. New England Patriots
Chukwuma Okorafor, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Sidy Sow, Michael Onwenu
Like many teams, the Patriots werehit hardby injuries on the offensive line in 2023. Only center David Andrews andrighttackle Michael Onwenu played more than 13 games and 800 snaps last season.
Truthfully, the Patriots could have beenan extremely goodunit in 2023 had they stayed healthy. Their four returning starters (Cole Strange, Andrews, Sidy Sow and Onwenu)allfinished with PFF grades above 64.0 and run-blocking grades above 66.0. None of that group allowed more than six sacks or 30 pressures on the season.
New England does enter the 2024 season with a glaring hole at left tackle after letting Trent Brown leave in free agency. The Patriots seem open tolettingChukwuma Okorafor and 2024 third-round pick Caedan Wallace compete for the position. Okorafor was benched in his final season with the Steelers and has just two career snaps at left tacklein his career. Wallace was a three-year starter atrighttackle for Penn State and may have the athletic ability to flip, but it is hardlya guarantee.
The Patriots get the benefit of the doubt on this list because injuries aren’t necessarily predictive. However, another year of bad injury luck (and struggles from the left tackle options) could have this team dropping outside of the top 20 in a hurry.
20. Denver Broncos
Garrett Bolles, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchey
Denver’s offensive line performed well as a collectivewholein 2023, but the team will have to navigate the critical loss of center Lloyd Cushenberry in free agency. Cushenberry finished as a top-10 center in PFF grade last season (73.2) and set career-highs in both run blocking grade (72.4) and pass blocking grade (76.4). The team did not attempt to fill that vacancy this offseason, leaving third-year veteran Luke Wattenberg and his 129 career snaps as their projected starter.
Denver returns three starters (Garrett Bolles, Ben Powers and Quinn Meinerz) who played over 1,000 snaps in 2023. That group allowed just eight sacks and 77 pressures. Veteran right tackle Mike McGlinchey continued to struggle as a pass protector (six sacks and 49 pressures on 569 pass plays)but remains one of the better run-blocking tackles in the NFL.
Denver has solid depth along its offensive line, but the gaping hole at the center position couldprove tobe a lot to overcome. If Wattenberg (or veteran backup Sam Mustipher) can function well between Powers and Meinerz,then this will onceagain be a top-12 offensive line. If not, they may struggleto consistently crack the top 20 units in 2024.
21. Tennessee Titans
JC Latham, Peter Skoronski, Lloyd Cushenberry, Daniel Brunskill, Dillon Radunz
The Titans poured a lot into their offensive line before the 2023 season, signing veteran free agents at left tackle (Andre Dillard) and right guard (Daniel Brunskill). The team also used a first-round pick on Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski. These moves had mixed results at best.
Brunskill played well in a full-time role after rotating during his time with the 49ers. Similarly, Peter Skoronski did fine in his first professional season but struggled to play at a high levelthanksto an emergency appendectomy early in his rookie season. Unfortunately, the Dillard signing was an abject disaster. The former first-round pick allowed 12 sacks and 41 pressures on 331 passing plays before being benched.
That led the Titans to try several different players at left tackle. None of them did well.
Tennesseewas able to finda home for 2021 second-round pick Dillon Radunz atrighttackle after he struggled to see the field as a guard in his two first seasons. The veteran still is a work in progress as a pass protector (36 pressures on 455 pass protection snaps) but finished with the best run-blocking grade in Tennessee (78.7).
The Titans wasted no time addressing the holes on their offensive line this offseason. They signed Lloyd Cushenberry to a big deal in free agency to replace incumbent starter Aaron Brewer. Tennessee also used their first-round pick on Alabamarighttackle JC Latham. Latham has the size and athleticism to play on the left side but never did it in college, so time will tell how that will go.
It wouldn’t be shocking if the Titans were this year’s “surprise team” that finishes as a top-10 unit. The team has invested in several key areas on the offensive line with first-round draft capitaland haslegendary offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who came to coach with his son after spending the last few seasons in Cleveland. It’sjusthard to justify making that movenowgiven the uncertainty of Latham’s ability to play left tackle.
22. Dallas Cowboys
Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Zack Martin, Terence Steele
Ranking outside the top 10 offensive line units is unfamiliar territory for the Dallas Cowboys, but itis warrantedgiventhe turnover on their offensive line. Dallas allowed Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz to walk in free agency, leaving them with two big holes.
The Cowboys attempted to fill those needs through the NFL draft, selecting Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton in the first round and Kansas State’s Cooper Beebe in the third roundof the draft. Gutyon played over 900 snaps for Oklahoma atrighttackle the last two seasons, allowing just two sacks and 11 pressures during his tenure. He has all the athletic traits to play left tackle in the NFL but is very raw (he moved to tackle in college) and has never played on the left side.
Beebe, on the other hand, is the complete opposite as a player. Beebe has been one of the best guards in college football over the last two seasons. He’s a limited athlete with a mean streak and could be the starting center for Dallas in 2024 despite never playing the position in college. He’s a technically sound player who logged three straight seasons with an 80.0+ PFF grade and finished 2023 with a 79.9 run-blocking grade.
Taking shots on rookies at key positions is far more palatable when you have two of the best guards in the NFL flanking them. The combination of Zack Martin and Tyler Smith surrendered just five sacks and 39 pressures on over 900 pass protection snaps in 2023. Each player finished with PFF grades above 69.0. Dallas needs a bounce-back season from Terence Steele in 2024 after inking him to a big contract before the 2023 season. Steele allowed a career-high 54 pressures and had the worst pass-blocking grade of his career (45.9). He also had his second-worst PFF grade (50.8) and run-blocking grade (57.2).
It is hard to trust a teamthat isbreaking in two rookies on the offensive line who will be playing out of their collegiate position.However, if Dallas evaluated Guyton and Beebe correctly and they can immediately step in as good starters,thenit will have fortified its offensive line again for yearsto come.
23. Seattle Seahawks
Charles Cross, Laken Tomlinson, Olu Oluwatimi, Christian Haynes, Abraham Lucas
Seattle hoped to see its offensive line take another step in 2023 after it gotvery goodrookie seasons from Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas at tackle in 2022. Unfortunately, both Cross and Lucas struggled with injuries,which wasenough for this unit to fall apart and the offense as a whole to struggle.
Crosswas able toat least play832 snaps in 14 games while flashing enough improvement to solidify the idea that he’s the left tackle of the future.Lucashowever, played just 273 snaps on the season and allowed 17 pressures on 182 pass protection snaps.
No matter what, Seattle will be rolling out three new starters on the interior offensive line after letting Evan Brown and Damien Lewis walk in free agency. Seattleis hopingthat 2023 fifth-round pick Olu Oluwatimi can provide consistency at center after playing just 128 snaps as a rookie. The Seahawks will also hope that free agent acquisition Laken Tomlinson can rebound after having his worst season in 2023 with the Jets (55.0 PFF grade) in a terrible offensive situation. At worst, Tomlinson is a dependable veteran with seven straight seasons of 1,000 snaps played.
Therealwild card in Seattle will be 2024 third-round pick Christian Haynes out of Connecticut. Haynes is a phenomenal athlete who was a four-year starter at guard for the Huskies. Not only did he dominate in college on a bad team (two straight 80.0 or better PFF-graded seasons), but he also shined at the Senior Bowl. He should instantly step in to start at therightguard position.
Seattle also signed George Fant in free agencyto serveas injury insurance for Cross and Lucas. Fant has done well as a swing tackle throughout his career and has logged over 2,000 snaps at both left and right tackle. There arejusttoo many question marks on this team to justify pushing them higher on the rankings before the season.
24. Arizona Cardinals
Paris Johnson Jr., Elijah Wilkinson, Hjalte Froholdt, Will Hernandez, Jonah Williams
Arizona’s offensive line enters 2024 as a collection of players who have provento beaverage in the NFL. The Cardinals return four starters from 2023 inParisJohnson Jr., Elijah Wilkinson, Hjalte Froholdt and Will Hernandez. Three of those starters finished with PFF grades between 60.0 and 67.0. All four surrendered at least three sacks and 23 pressures last year.
Johnson will transition to the left side of the line after spending 2023 as the team’srighttackle. He showed flashes during his first season but did surrender a team-leading 42 pressures on 685 pass attempts. He has all the tools of a top-end left tackle but needs to show them at the NFL level. Arizona opted to bringinformer Bengal Jonah Williams to replace him atrighttackle. Williams has three straight seasons with over 1,000 snaps played. He’s given up at least eight sacks and 40 pressures in all threeof thoseseasons.
One position to watch is left guard, where incumbent starter Wilkinson (46.2 PFF grade) will be pushed into training camp by 2024 third-round rookie Isaiah Adams out of Illinois. Adams playedatleft tackle in 2023 after starting for the Fighting Illini at left guard in 2022. He’s more of a guard at the NFL level and is a fantastic, tone-setting run blocker.
The Cardinals will be able to withstand injuries better than most teams in the league thanks to their veteran depth, but theyjustlack the talent to push inside the top 15 unless Johnson Jr. and Williams take a massive developmental step.
25. Buffalo Bills
Dion Dawkins, David Edwards, Connor McGovern, O’Cyrus Torrence, Spencer Brown
Buffalo’s offensive line didn’t take a big step forward in 2023 despite adding second-round pick O’Cyrus Torrence. Taking a leap will be even more difficult for the team in 2024 after veteran center Mitch Morse (64.1 PFF grade)was cutin a salary-saving move.
All five of Buffalo’s starters played 17 games and over 1,100 snaps in 2023. That group allowed just 12 sacks on the season, which is stellar. Unfortunately, they allowed 164 collective pressures, which is far less ideal. The tackle duo of Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown continues to pace this offensive line, but the team will need some consistency to emerge on the interior.
First, Buffalo will need a better showing from Torrence after he spent his rookie season verifying his college film. Torrence allowed a team-high 40 pressures in 2023 but did very well as a run blocker. The Bills will also try to solve their center vacancy with an in-house move, kicking left guard Connor McGovern to center and replacing him with his former backupDavidEdwards. Edwards does have starting experience during his time with the Rams but played just 148 snaps last season with the Bills.
Buffalo lacks the depth necessary to jump higher on this list during the preseason. Its starting five are solid contributors, but the depth chart behind them features a combination of late-round rookies and undrafted free agents. The Bills also added swing tackle La’el Collinsin an attemptto salvage his career. Collins didn’t play a single snap in 2023 and struggled mightily during his lone season with the Bengals in 2022.
26. Baltimore Ravens
Ronnie Stanley, Andrew Vorhees, Tyler Linderbaum, Ben Cleveland, Roger Rosengarten
For years, the Ravens have leaned on a veteran-heavy offensive line to set the tone in the run game. That approach worked well but has yet to culminate in a Super Bowl appearance.The moves this offseasonsuggest Baltimore will be trying a new approach in 2024.
Baltimoredecided tolet left guard John Simpson (56.5 PFF grade) and right guard Kevin Zeitler (69.3 PFF grade) leave in free agency. The Ravens also traded awayrighttackle Morgan Moses (77.6 PFF grade) and have several options to backfill those positions.
The Ravensare expectedto move veteran Ben Cleveland into their startingrightguard role after he’s looked good in 621 career snaps. The team will also hold a left guard competition between 2023 late-round picks Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu and Andrew Vorhees. Vorhees is especially interesting since he was considered a Day2pick who fell after tearing his ACL during the 2023 NFL combine.
Baltimore will also have options atrighttackle. The team could opt to give the full-time role to veteran Patrick Mekari. He’s played 2,700 career snapsduring his timewith the Ravens and never finished with a PFF grade below 66.0. However, he also has a ton of value as a versatile depth piecehavingplayed all five offensive line positions in the NFL.
The team also used a 2024 second-round pick on Washingtonrighttackle Roger Rosengarten. Rosengarten logged over 1,800 snaps atrighttackle for Washington over the last two seasons and never surrendered a sack (he did give up 27 pressures). The rookie is an excellent pass protector who needs to add some mass to gain more power as a run blocker.
As it stands,the Ravensare slatedto start two players with zero career snaps at the NFL level.It is hard to rank them higher heading into the season, but thisis a team thatcould gradually climb the rankings as they get more experience.
27. Carolina Panthers
Ikem Ekwonu, Damien Lewis, Austin Corbett, Robert Hunt, Taylor Moton
The Panthers offense was a collective mess in 2023, buta lotof their issues stemmed from terrible offensive line play. Nine different offensive linemen played over 150 snaps in Carolina last season. That group combined to allow 36 sacks and 229 pressures.
Threeof thoseplayers (Ikem Ekwonu, Taylor Moton, Austin Corbett)are slatedto return in 2023. Ekwonu, the former top-10 pick, has continued to dominate on the ground (77.0 PFF run-blocking grade) but is still a work in progress in pass protection. He allowed a team-leading 11 sacks and 44 pressures last season. The team willbe tryingCorbett at center after three seasons as the team’s starting left guard. Corbett struggled to return from a 2022 knee injury, playing just 257 snaps in 2023.
Carolina attacked the interior offensive line hard in the offseason, adding veterans Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt at the guard position. Lewis is a solid veteran, but Hunt is the crown jewel of this offensive line. Hunt was dominant when he was healthy in 2023, allowing just one sack and five pressures in 329 pass protection snaps. Unfortunately, hamstring injuries limited him to just 547 snaps. Ifhe’s able tobe healthy, he could be a serious upgrade on this offensive line.
A sneaky addition to this team is former Packer swing tackle Yosh Nijman. Nijman logged over 1,500 career snaps during his four seasons with Green Bay, primarily at left tackle. He never had a PFF grade below 60.0 during his time with the Packers and could be a solid contingency plan if Ekwonu continues to struggle in pass protection at left tackle.
It would be hard for the Panthers to be worse as an offensive line in 2024, but it is also hard to rank them inside the top 25giventheir struggles in 2023.
28. Washington Commanders
Cornelius Lucas, Nick Allegretti, Tyler Biadasz, Sam Cosmi, Andrew Wylie
Washington aggressively hit the free agency pool to try and supplement the talent on its offensive line under new head coach Dan Quinn. The Commanders added guard Nick Allegretti in free agency after five seasons as a reserve lineman for the Chiefs. He did get significant action during the team’s Super Bowl run, allowing just 11 pressures in two games. The team also broughtinTyler Biadasz to serve as the team’s starting center. The veteran played three straight seasons with over 1,000 snaps, allowing just three sacks and 61 pressures during that time.
The right side of the line will return for Washington in 2024. Sam Cosmi has developed into one of the better guards in the NFL, finishing 2023 with an 80.6 PFF grade after giving up just one sack and 31 pressures on 777 passing plays. Andrew Wylie also did well in his first season as a full-time starter with the Commanders. He has some things to clean up in pass protection (nine sacks and 42 pressures on 693 passing plays), but that’s understandable given the quality of pass rushers in the NFC East.
The one position that Washington is missing is a left tackle after releasing veteran Charles Leno Jr. this offseason. Cornelius Lucas is the favorite to start the season at left tackle. The 10-year veteran has played 2,025 snaps with the Commanders since joining the team in 2020 and has logged a 67.0 or higher PFF grade in three of his last four seasons.
The team could also give 2024 third-round pick Brandon Coleman a chance to play left tackle. Coleman struggled in his final season with TCU (57.7 PFF grade) but was excellent in 2023 (79.6 PFF grade). He’s a developmental prospect but has the athletic chops to justify staying at left tackle in the NFL.
Washington has an offensive line that features three solid starters at center, right guard, andrighttackle, but two unknowns on the left side of the offensive line. It is hard to imagine this team finding their way out of the top 20 in Dan Quinn’s first season.
29. New York Giants
Andrew Thomas, Aaron Stinnie, John Michael Schmitz, Jon Runyan, Evan Neal
Nothing went right for the Giants in 2023. Veteran left tackle Andrew Thomas suffered an injury before the season, limiting him to just 576 snaps. He played well when healthy (76.1 PFF grade) and continuedto solidifyhimself as one of the better-left tackles in the NFL.
In total,nine players logged 266 or more snaps on the Giants offensive line in 2023.Only two players (Thomas and veteran guard Mark Glowinski) posted a PFF grade above 53.0. That group allowed 37 sacks and 227 pressures. The biggest issue for New York is the continued struggles of its young offensive line pieces. Evan Neal was once again terriblewhen he wason the field, finishing with a 39.8 PFF grade and 30 pressures surrendered on 309 pass pro snaps. A move to guard can’t be out of the question after a second straight season struggling in space. Rookie center John Michael Schmitz was drafted to solidify the interior but gave up five sacks and 30 pressures on 484 pass-blocking snaps.
The Giants worked hard to upgrade their offensive line in free agency. The team added veteran guards Aaron Stinnie and Jon Runyanalongwith veteranrighttackle Jermaine Eluemunor. It wouldn’t be shocking if all threeof theseplayers started the season at the top of the depth chart.
The Giants desperately need their young players to step up in 2023, but they have set themselves up well if they continue to struggle by supplementing their offensive line with veteran pieces. However, this team lacks impact players outside of Thomas, which makes it difficult to see them leaving the bottom third of the NFL’s offensive line units.
30. Miami Dolphins
Terron Armstead, Liam Eichenberg, Aaron Brewer, Robert Jones, Austin Jackson
The Dolphins offensive line could be in for arealbad season in 2023.Miamiwas forcedto let two of their core starters (right guard Robert Hunt and center Connor Williams) walk in free agencydue to cap issues.Both playerswere limitedby injuries in2023butstillfinished with two of the highest PFF grades in 2023.
Only one returning starter (righttackle Austin Jackson) played over 815 snaps in 2023. Jackson continued to be astrongrighttackle, allowing just four sacks and 21 pressures on 592 pass protection snaps. He also finished with a solid 68.8 run-blocking grade.Miamiis still holding out hopethat Terron Armstead can put togethera fullyhealthy season.Armstead was stellarwhen he wason the field in 2023 (80.9 PFF grade), but he was limited to just10games played. The veteran hasyet to playmore than 800 snaps in a season since 2020.
Miami was able to grab veteran center Aaron Brewer in free agency to offset the loss of Connor Williams at center. Brewer is astrongrun blocker but has consistently struggled in pass protection over his two seasons as a starter.
The Dolphins did address the offensive line in the draft, selecting Houston’s Patrick Paul in the second round. Paul started 44 games at left tackle during his time incollegebut has someseriousissues with his technique and likely needs developmental time before he can be relied on. He may not get that timegiventhe team’s injury struggles.
If the Dolphins could get fully healthy seasons out of their tackle tandem, they could exceed all expectations.However, this team may havejust lost too much talent in free agencyto make amajorimpact.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars
Cam Robinson, Ezra Cleveland, Mitch Morse, Brandon Scherff, Anton Harrison
The Jaguars offensive line lacks any star power, but theydo have a collection of solid contributors.Only two returning starters (Cam Robinson and Brandon Scherff) posteda PFF grade above 65.0. That duoalsocombined to surrender just four sacks and 28 pressures (Robinson was limited to justninegames thanks to a suspension and injuries).
Outside of those two,the rest of the offensive line wasjust average.The 2023 first-round pick Anton Harrison won the starting right tackle job in training camp but posted just a 53.0 PFF grade. He led the team in sacks surrendered (5) and finished second in pressures allowed (27). Ezra Cleveland was a midseason acquisition and played 377 snaps at leftguardbut struggled to acclimate to his new surroundings.
One areatheJaguars made a massive improvement was upgrading center Luke Fortner, who gave up a team-high 28 pressures in the middle of the offense. Jacksonville signed former Buffalo Bill Mitch Morse to fortify their interior offensive line. Morse played at least 700 snaps ineach ofhis five seasons with Buffalo and never had a PFF grade below 61.0.
Collectively, this group also struggled as run blockers. None of the projected five starters had a run-blocking grade above 62.0. Three of the projected starters had PFF grades below 52.0. That may not hurt Travis Etienne’s explosive perimeter runs, but it makes it hard to establish a consistent run game in the middle.
The combination of Morse and Scherff could solidify the interior line.But even if they do,there aren’t any impact offensive linemen in this unit.They seem destined to be outsideofthe top 20 forthe majorityof the season.
32. New Orleans Saints
Taliese Fuaga, Oli Udoh, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Ryan Ramczyk
The Saints offensive line could struggle mightily in 2023. Their 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning played in just 11 games in 2023 and was benched thanks to his considerable struggles in pass protection (19 pressures on 245 pass-blocking snaps). It is probably time to transition him to guard, especially considering the projected left guard is Vikings’ castoff Oli Udoh. Penning’s continued struggles forced the team to shift left guard Andrus Peat out to tackle, which worked out. Unfortunately, the team opted to let Peat walk in free agency.
The Saints could have a much bigger problem looming on the horizon thanks to veteranrighttackle Ryan Ramczyk’s knee issues. Ramczyk was solid in 2023 (73.5 PFF grade)but may have a career-ending degenerative knee issue.
The one bright spot on this unit is veteran center Erik McCoy, who is coming off his career-best season. McCoy set career highs in snaps played (1,152), PFF grade (79.4) and run blocking grade (89.4). McCoy has been inconsistent throughout his career but represents the one dependable piece of this offensive line.
New Orleans tried to address its tackle issues by selecting Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga with the 14th pick of the draft. Fuaga was an absolute mauler in the run game during his two years as a starter (90.9 PFF run grade in 2023) but hasstruggled at timesagainst athletic edge rushers. There were some questions about Fuaga’s ability to stay at tackle in the NFL, so the decision to start him at left tackle is a curious one that couldbe a repeat ofthe Penning experience.
The Saints have more questions than answers on the offensive line heading into 2024, which could lead toaverybadseason for the offenseas a whole.
